Houston consumers have access to a variety of promotional offers and freebies during the month of March, ranging from election-themed rewards to sports-related food discounts and seasonal celebrations. These opportunities are provided by local restaurants, national food chains, and seasonal businesses, often requiring specific actions such as presenting an "I Voted" sticker, placing a delivery order, or visiting a location on a specific date. The availability of these offers varies by event, location, and participating vendor.
Election Day Incentives
Several Houston-area restaurants and food establishments offer rewards to individuals who present an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day. These incentives generally take the form of free food items, beverages, or special menu pricing.
- Brennan’s: Offers an order of "ballot beignets" upon presentation of an "I Voted" sticker.
- Cacao & Cardamom: Provides a free "vote" bonbon.
- Canary Cafe: Gives a free housemade bird-shaped brown sugar cookie.
- Dandelion Cafe: Offers a free small coffee for voting anytime between now and Election Day.
- Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe: Provides a free bar of choice (including flavors such as pecan pie, monkey bar, and carmelita) with a purchase of equal or greater value.
- Fat Cat Creamery: Offers a free scoop upgrade for voters, accompanied by a sticker.
- H Town Restaurant Group: Includes Hugo’s, Caracol, and Xochi, which offer a choice of one margarita to voters. Options include the Margarita Roja (Campari), Coco Margarita (coconut milk and liquor), and Margarita Azul (blue Curacao).
- Local Foods: Offers a full meal for $15 on Election Day, consisting of half of two election-themed sandwiches: the TRUMPet (raclette, mushrooms, crispy leeks on ciabatta) and the Joe Bison (coffee-crusted bison, vanilla grilled onions on sourdough).
- KP’s Kitchen: Provides a free appetizer or dessert and a special $12 price on the KP Burger house special for voters with a sticker.
- Caracol: Offers a free Hugorita with a sticker.
- Xochi: Offers a free margarita with a sticker.
Additionally, Urban Harvest (Saturdays) and Galveston’s Own Farmers Market (Sundays) offer specific promotions valid only at weekend farmer’s markets.
March Madness Food Deals
During the NCAA Tournament, various food delivery services and restaurant chains offer limited-time discounts and freebies. These deals are often structured around the tournament rounds, specifically the First Four, First Round, Second Round, Sweet 16, and Elite Eight.
Delivery Service Offers
Grubhub and Seamless are offering specific deals during each round of the tournament:
First Four (March 18-20) & First Round (March 20-22):
- Wendy’s: Free Baconator on orders of $20 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- Little Caesars: Free Italian Cheese Bread on orders of $25 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- Chili’s: $8 off orders of $40 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- Wawa: 30% off orders of $25 (maximum discount $11) (valid March 19 – March 21).
Second Round (March 22-24):
- Wendy’s: Free Baconator on orders of $20 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- Little Caesars: Free Italian Cheese Bread on orders of $25 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- Chili’s: $8 off orders of $40 or more (valid March 19 – March 24).
- 7-Eleven: 25% off orders of $25 (valid March 22 – March 25).
Sweet 16 (March 27-29):
- Popeyes: Free Chicken Sandwich on orders of $15 or more (valid March 26 – March 29).
- Jack in the Box: $5 off orders of $20 or more (valid March 26 – April 1).
- Taco Bell: $5 off orders of $15 with the purchase of a Cantina Caliente Chicken Soft Taco (valid March 27 – March 30).
- Starbucks: $4 off orders of $20 (valid March 26 – March 31).
Elite Eight (March 29-31):
- Popeyes: Free Chicken Sandwich on orders of $15 or more (valid March 26 – March 29).
- Jack in the Box: $5 off orders of $20 or more (valid March 26 – April 1).
- Taco Bell: $5 off orders of $15 with the purchase of a Cantina Caliente Chicken Soft Taco (valid March 27 – March 30).
In-Store and App-Based Offers
Specific restaurant chains are also running promotions for rewards members during the tournament:
Auntie Anne’s:
- Rewards members receive two free medium sodas with the purchase of a Basketball Bucket (valid March 18 – March 23).
- Rewards members receive two free dips with the purchase of a Basketball Bucket (valid March 27 – March 30).
- Rewards members receive $5 off a Basketball Bucket (valid April 5 – April 7).
- Free delivery is available for qualifying orders of $12 or more (valid March 18 – March 24).
Carvel:
- $5 off orders of $25 or more when ordering through DoorDash or UberEats (valid March 27 – March 30 and April 5 – April 7).
McAlister’s Deli:
- Rewards Members receive $5 off delivery orders of $25 or more via the app or online (valid March 20 – March 23).
- $15 off catering orders of $100 or more using code SPRING25 (valid through April 7).
Schlotzsky’s:
- The brand has several catering deals scheduled during the NCAA Tournament.
First Day of Spring Freebies
The arrival of spring brings seasonal promotions from various businesses. While general categories of spring freebies include free seeds or plants from home improvement stores, free flowers from florists, and free appetizers or desserts from restaurants, specific verified offers for the first day of spring in March include:
- Rita’s: Offers a free 7-ounce Italian Ice in a limited-edition spring cup on March 19. The offer is limited to one per customer, with custard available for an additional cost.
- Starbucks: Features seasonal spring menu items, such as lavender-inspired drinks.
General Free Events
Beyond food-specific offers, Houston provides opportunities for budget-conscious consumers to engage with the city through free events. These events take place across parks, green spaces, museums, and performance venues. While specific event details were not provided in the source material, the availability of such activities is noted as a consistent feature of the Houston area.
Conclusion
Houston's promotional landscape in March is event-driven, aligning with civic participation, sports tournaments, and seasonal changes. Consumers seeking freebies should note the specific dates and eligibility requirements associated with each offer, such as the requirement to present an "I Voted" sticker for Election Day rewards or to place a minimum-value order for March Madness delivery deals. Participation in these promotions generally requires adherence to the terms set by individual vendors, including membership in rewards programs where specified.